naturall, and (as they teach) God beareth towards them that he hateth, Corvin. in Molin. cap. 29. Sect. 2. which was the cause why he gave Christ to die for all men: even that free grace and love, whereby he quickens them that were dead in trespasses, and saveth them that believe, Ephes. 2. 5. As for the particle All or every one, examples are usuall in Scripture where it is used with fit limitation, though neither all precisely, nor the most part be signified, and that confessed by all sides. But what need paralell places to prove it may be, when the circumstances of the text shew it must be limited, and they that most presse universall redemption are enforced to acknowledge a limitation in this matter.
It is objected, that the holy Ghost speaketh generally in the beginning of the Chapter, What is man?Heb. 2.6. But how to frame any reason from those words to disprove the former limitation I see not. For this word man designes the nature of man in generall, but with relation to the person of Christ, and is spoken of the nature of man, as to be united to the person of Christ, and alleadged by the Apostle to prove, that the world to come, is put in subjection unto him as man. And if it be extended further then to Christ as man, it must be restrained unto the faithfull, to whom that which followeth may be applied by communication and fellowship with Christ.
Againe, it is objected, that Christs dominion over all is grounded on his death: but if that be granted, it is not necessary his death should be simply for all men. For the Apostle speaks of Christs dominion,Heb. 2.6,7.
Phil 2.9.
John. 3.35.
Mat. 11.27. not only over all men, but over all things, the Angels themselves not excepted: but it was not requisite, Christ should die for all things, even for the Angels, as they themselves confesse. His power extendeth it selfe unto all creatures, to whom he can command obedience at his pleasure, and unlesse they performe it, inflict punishment. For he is made Lord of the world, and all power is given unto him in heaven and earth. Christ hath Soveraignty over all things, and doth rule over all men, the faithfull to life, the unfaithfull to death, Corvin. in Molin. cap. 12. § 26. This dominion of Christ stands well with reason, is consonant to the Scripture, but was not purchased by his death simply for them.
Lastly, It will be said, the Apostle threatneth punishment for not receiving or retaining Christ, and exhorteth to care of it, which argueth generall purchase, or else such exhortations and threatnings would be without force. Touching the thing it selfe, it isfreely
